Grandfather Mountain Trail

Grandfather Mountain Trail is a 4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Linville, NC that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible from April until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

4.0 miles1634 feetOut & Back

dogs on leash

birding

camping

hiking

nature trips

scenic driving

cave

forest

views

wild flowers

wildlife

rocky

scramble

One of the most technical mountain hikes without climbing equipment east of the Mississippi, Grandfather Mountain trail traverses forest, exposed cliffs, rock outcroppings, ladders and attached cables to spectacular views.
The trail climbs to McRae Peak, Attic's Window and the end of the trail at the top of Grandfather Calloway Peak at 5964' - the same point the Profile Trail ends.
The Grandfather Trail runs the length of the summit ridge from the Grandfather Mountain attraction to Calloway Peak. It offers astonishing variety, running in and out of wind-dwarfed spruce and fir, across or around rock walls and pinnacles and into open spaces with mountain views in every direction. It was along this trail two centuries ago that explorer/botanist Andre Michaux broke into song thinking he had arrived at the high point of North America.
The pace is often slow. There are chutes where progress is hand-over-hand and extra steep sections where hikers use in-place cables and ladders. An alternative to taking the ladders up MacRae Peak is to opt for the more sheltered Underwood Trail. Not recommended for children or inexperienced hikers.

There are quite a few trails connected to grandfather mountain, but the main attraction is without a doubt the bridge that sits perfectly nestled one mile up in the trees. The view is absolutely spectacular and left me speechless. I definitely recommend this roadside attraction. P.S Grandfather Mountain is the highest peak across the Blue Ridge Mountain range so if you do have a fear of heights, GET OVER IT and check this beauty out anyways!

Second time hiking this, brought my girlfriend this time and it was just amazing!! The views are incredible, and it was a foggy day, BUT on the mountain we were above the fog, so it literally looked like we were above the clouds! Was Epic!! Love this trail!

My first mountain hike! Beautiful views and awesome scenery the entire hike. Loved all the big rocks and boulders. Definitely for people who are active in everyday life. My boyfriends mom did this hike during her chemotherapy treatments though so not impossible for people who don't regularly exercise.

This is an excellent hike. When we went there had been quite a bit of rain so the rocks were slippery and the ground was very muddy. Unfortunately due to low clouds the view was not as good as I had hoped. Will definitely do this hike again hopefully during dryer conditions.

Great hike!! I was a little nervous about what to expect for the ladders/cables but it wasn't bad at all. I'm not afraid of heights but I could see how this would be a challenging hike if you were. Overall, absolutely beautiful views in every direction! Highly recommend. I started at the swinging bridge, hiked to Calloway and turned back. If you want to add an extra 10miles, start at Profile View.

My father and I hiked to Calloway Peak while visiting in Hickory last fall. Hands down one of the most spectacular views and the highest peak I've yet to climb. Not for those who are scared of heights. Can't wait to visit again and camp for the weekend.